Urban Classics Auto Repair

"Original Review (Follow-up to Owner's response below): The Trunk Lock Actuator broke on my car. Urban Classics charged me $270 for parts and $175 for labor - $445 total. It's been exactly one year and my Trunk Lock Actuator broke again. I bought the replacement part on amazon for $100 and replaced it myself in 20 mins . $100 total. I also had them install a Catalytic Converter Protection Shield. They charged me $350 for parts - I found the same parts for $160 online. I confronted them about it and they didn't have much to say. Conclusion: They drastically overcharge for parts. Their labor costs are slightly more justified since they do decent work and have quick turn-arounds - however I think they also overcharge for labor too. Follow-up to Owner's Response: Hey David, thanks for your response. RE: Catalytic Convertor Shield: The invoice says “Exhaust Muffler Shield, Cat Security 2010-2015 GEN 3/ 2012-2017 Gen V”. I also looked under the car to confirm that it’s Cat Security. This exact product is seemingly around $160 online. There appears to be an up charge of $190 ($350 total) on this Cat Security model? RE: Trunk Lock Actuator Motor: For a genuine Toyota part, the Actuator Motor seems more accurately priced, but still a little high. My preference would have been a cheaper, “knock off” Actuator - especially since the genuine Toyota Actuator I received broke after a year. It’s 2024, there’s a lot of competition, and plenty of third party companies in the auto industry are offering decent-to-excellent products for competitive prices. Even if the Amazon replacement Actuator broke once a year, for 4 years, I would still ultimately pay less than I did for the Toyota Actuator (P & L) that did break after a year. Your team is full of well-trained technicians, I’m not denying that. However, there are many Youtube videos for simple auto repairs/fixes, that’s just the reality. If it took 20-30 mins for a Layman like me to replace the Actuator, then your technicians could probably do it in under 15 min. Take 15 minutes to replace the Actuator and add a generous 45 mins to inspect and remove rust - $174/hour still seems like a lot. Honestly though, I respect working people and labor costs are the lesser of my concerns. Conclusion: I stick by my initial review. I think I was overcharged, especially for parts. As someone who’s owned a few 10+ year old cars in NYC: I suggest you take a different approach to Elite Customers vs those who just want a working car. Perhaps give your customers the option to choose if they want to pay the premium for “genuine parts”."

"My husband and I have been going here for a couple years now, whenever we have an issue with our car. The service that is provided by the entire staff is beyond exceptional! Thank you, we always appreciate the promptness, professionalism and service that we experience."

"Daughters car broke down two days before Christmas. She was in Brooklyn, we were in NC. We had AAA tow her to Urban and the experience was great. The car needed a starter and some other safety work and they got the car done so she had it back before New Years Eve. They did what was needed, no upsell and the work was honest and dependable. David was a gem of an employee to work with, I wish all auto repair shops were operated like Urban. They have a customer for life."

"The mechanics at Urban Classics Auto Repair are extremely professional and straightforward. The owner, Dave, is amazing. He works at the shop and personally called me twice to keep me involved in the process. He and his mechanics took time to listen to me and not talk to me like I’m an idiot. Most impressionable for me is the fact that the workers (mechanics, customer service staff) are not overworked. They close at 5pm and are not open on weekends so I had to leave my car there over the weekend. I did not mind because I could tell that my car was in great hands. They charge more than other mechanics but hey, you get what you pay for. I recommend Urban Classics and I am definitely a customer for life. No more Pep Boys for me."

"This is the most professional, honest, and communicative mechanic shop I have ever used! They will always be my first choice for my car needs! I had major repairs on my vehicle performed here, not only were they patient until I decided whether I want to do the repairs or not, but they contacted me to inform the status and update me on the diagnostics etc. I dealt with John, Max, and the owner, David. All were friendly, understanding, and available whenever I called. The receptionist that takes phone calls was also quick and knowledgeable, and helped out with whatever needed. They actually ended up charging me less than the original estimate because my car didn't need a part they thought would be needed. Very impressive! There are so many shady shops that rip you off, convincing you to do repairs and maintenance you don't even need, and they did just the opposite! The shop is very clean, which makes it a pleasure to walk in! The only downside is, that too many people know how good this place is and they are very busy... See you again, guys!"